Question about Safeco Field

[jimmyjimjimz]

I read on Wikipedia that Safeco Field didn't open until the middle of the 1999 season. Is there a reason it didn't open in April, in the begining of the season? Was it not done being built? Or was it planned to open in the middle of the season?

[Great One]

I'm very positive that it was planned to open during the middle of that season.

[Smirkman]

Just like the Skydome it couldn't be completed by OD, but ownership wanted the revenues from the second half of the season. This isn't completely uncommon, but if you have a large season ticket base it makes it more difficult.

[BeatEmBucs]

It was common to switch venues in mid-season. The Pirates did that when they went from Forbes Field to 3 Rivers, and the Reds did that moving from Crosley to Riverfront. Guess the M's wanted to follow suit since they didn't have Safeco ready by opening day '99.

[jimmyjimjimz]

It was common to switch venues in mid-season. The Pirates did that when they went from Forbes Field to 3 Rivers, and the Reds did that moving from Crosley to Riverfront. Guess the M's wanted to follow suit since they didn't have Safeco ready by opening day '99.

But were they scheduled to move mid-season?

that's what really confuses me. Like if City Field or the new Yankee Stadium arent done by April 2009, what's gonna happen? Will they have to open them mid-season? I'm guessing they would, cause where else would they play?

[Bazookadale]

It was common to switch venues in mid-season. The Pirates did that when they went from Forbes Field to 3 Rivers,

Actually the Pirates also moved INTO Forbes field in mid-season 1909. The sooner you are in your new digs the sooner you make more money.

[BeatEmBucs]

But were they scheduled to move mid-season?

that's what really confuses me. Like if City Field or the new Yankee Stadium arent done by April 2009, what's gonna happen? Will they have to open them mid-season? I'm guessing they would, cause where else would they play?

I don't know about Cincinnati, but as for the Pirates, 3 Rivers was scheduled to open in April of 1970, but delays in construction forced the decision to stay at Forbes Field thru the first half of the 1970 season.

If that was to happen in New York.....I would guess a nice sandlot in Central Park would host the games. Maybe the old places wouldn't be torn down until after the first game at the new park is played "just in case".

[mdnash]

But were they scheduled to move mid-season?

that's what really confuses me. Like if City Field or the new Yankee Stadium arent done by April 2009, what's gonna happen? Will they have to open them mid-season? I'm guessing they would, cause where else would they play?

citi will be done well before next april. the question is: will shea be completely demolished in time for opening day 2009?


(the answer is yes)

[jimmyjimjimz]

If that was to happen in New York.....I would guess a nice sandlot in Central Park would host the games. Maybe the old places wouldn't be torn down until after the first game at the new park is played "just in case".

The thing is, though, they need to demolish Shea right away, because theyre using the land that Shea is standing on now as parking for City Field.

[Gary Dunaier]

citi will be done well before next april. the question is: will shea be completely demolished in time for opening day 2009?

(the answer is yes)

As jimmyjimjimz says, the Mets' intention is to have Shea Stadium completely demolished by Opening Day 2009 so that the site can be available for parking.